BUF 2400: Product Development was an introduction to the study of product development from concept to consumer. In this course, you were able to learn how research is conducted in the fashion industry and how it is ultimately reflected in garment design. Trend cycles, consumer behavior, social, political, and economic influences are discussed as influences on trend development. Stages involved in product development and apparel manufacturing from concept to consumer. Students would evaluate how the strategic planning process is utilized in the development of merchandise plans for business use.
Final Project: Aeslete (Creating a Line)
In teams, students select an apparel classification and then create a private label apparel product/line for a moderate priced men’s or women’s wear shop. Students research and identify the major fashion trends keeping their target market’s preference in mind; shop the market and analyze comparable product offerings at higher price points; determine changes in adapting the product to their market; evaluate the fabric selected for the product for performance specifications; discuss construction specifications; determining the cost of the apparel product; discussing the quality control process that will go into the fabric and final product/line; and the methods for merchandising the new private label apparel product/line.
